Bedford SXV88 & SYP88
The earliest known example to surface so far is revealed in the exclusive & sensational images below uncovered by Andrew Duerden at Vauxhall Heritage Archive and date back to 1960 in the V-Block Styling Studios, showing a very radical concept. Like the BMC Mini, this Vauxhall-Bedford project was undoubtedly inspired by the recession of the late 1950s and the issue of increasing UK sales of imported tiny vehicles collectively classed as “bubble cars”.
However, unlike BMC, Vauxhall took a somewhat different approach to solve the same problem – to carry four people & their luggage within the most diminutive exterior dimensions – by starting with a small commercial van as the base vehicle SXV88 and then adapting this to a passenger-carrying version SYP88.
Although SXV88 looks like a miniaturised CA Van, it is based on a heavily modified 10-inch shortened wheelbase Victor F-Series Victor platform combined with adapted CA semi-forward control steering; the engine is mounted as far forward as possible but also much lower than in the Victor with access via a hinged complete front panel & an interior removable access tunnel.
This created an extraordinary driving position combined with a giant steering wheel, which was also from the CA. Strangely, only half-opening rear access was provided; this was essentially a hinged rear window and its surroundings, so it may be assumed that no passenger seat would be fitted to allow for cargo access via the sliding door & rear window hatch, but this was more a proof of concept exercise, David Jones always claimed that less than 20% of his team’s work ever reached production, so it maybe that had the SY Programme progressed further it might have gained a full-length rear tailgate. A 1.5-litre engine was also a little large for this application.
As this predates any engineering work starting for the Viva HA, it may be possible that Vauxhall planned a smaller-capacity version of the Victor engine. Compared to period and modern equivalents, the dimensions of the SXV88 were interesting: 133х65х63 in.
Even more interesting than the SXV88 Van was the passenger-carrying version, the SYP88. On the face of it, this configuration made a more compelling case as an early experiment for an MPV [Multi-Purpose-Vehicle] with easy access via sliding doors with tip forward front seats, a folding rear seat, a small rear hatchback, and a significant amount of interior passenger room. Whilst both the SXV88 & SYP88 are badged as a Bedford at the front, on the rear of the SYP88, it is clearly labelled as a Vauxhall, indicating a possible dual marketing strategy for the commercial & passenger versions.
It was aimed at a low-cost market sector, as shown by the folding door side windows, very basic facia and a hinged side rear window. The position of the rear seat in relation to the front meant that back seat passengers had ample leg & headroom but likely very little luggage room. The images shown below, uncovered By Andrew Duerden, are genuinely fascinating, showing every view of the exterior design while being displayed in the V-Block Styling Studio of a much-rumoured project never seen for real before.
